Playing the lotto

With the NBA Draft Lottery ping pong balls set to pop again Tuesday night, the Warriors are admitting how important it is to move up from their pre-slotted No. 4 spot.

That’s because many believe the 2010 draft, which is June 24, has only a two-player pool with Kentucky point guard John Wall and Ohio State shooting guard Evan Turner. Some in the Warriors’ camp include Syracuse swingman Wesley Johnson among the three prospects who will make immediate impacts.

“There is no question that there are a few players who could help us next year, but I hate to put a number on it,” Warriors general manager Larry Riley said. “There are other guys who will help, but they will take some time to develop.

“As far as guys who can help us next year, there are a few, but the number is not great.”

The rest of the draft pool is full of players with NBA bodies or skills, which leaves the possibility of future stardom or future flopdom. Think inexperienced Derrick Favors, attitude risk DeMarcus Cousins or project Hassan Whiteside.

The Warriors haven’t moved up in the NBA Draft Lottery since 1995, when they jumped four spots to select Joe Smith with the No. 1 choice. They have a 10.4 percent chance of moving to No. 1 and nearly a 33.6 percent chance of moving into the top three.

If they don’t move up, you can bet that Riley will field phone calls for trade offers.